There is no question that conservation and energy efficiency are important elements of meeting future energy needs while at the same time addressing climate change, global warming, and green house gas emissions.

The Benton REA has been actively involved in offering conservation and energy efficiency programs since the early 1980’s. Through these continuing programs, our cooperative has replaced windows, insulated homes, improved agriculture irrigation systems, and provided ongoing training and assistance. During the course of the last five years Benton REA has invested over $250,000 per year on cost effective conservation and efficiency measures.

However, we must recognize that the energy made available through conservation and energy efficiency alone will not be enough to meet the growing demand for electricity. We must also develop new generating resources.

In order find the right balance, we will continue to compare the costs and benefits of conservation and energy efficiency with the costs of new generation. As in the past, only those programs that are cost effective, that produce measurable results, and compare favorably will be implemented.

Clearly our challenge is to protect the environment, provide adequate power supply for the members, and accomplish this in the most financially prudent manner possible. After all that is "The Cooperative Way."